Ten questions. Straight answers.

CaseCatalyst is a platform that gives high school students the chance to solve real-world challenges faced by startups. Over a four-week virtual competition, students work on cases developed with partner startups, compete on the best solution, and get mentorship from top university students and industry professionals.

Either works. You can apply as a team of 3–4, or solo.

• If you're applying as a team, each member fills out the form individually and lists the others plus your team name.
• If you're applying solo, we'll match you with other solo applicants and introduce the team before Launch Day.

Any high school student in grades 8–12, anywhere in the world. The competition is fully virtual.

Not a problem. Apply solo and we'll form a team for you before Launch Day.

Three things you have to attend live:

• Case Launch Day
• Mentorship sessions with your case coach
• Pitch Day

Exact dates are on the Event Timeline.

Three registration windows. The earlier you sign up, the less you pay:

• April 26, 2026 — Early Bird I ($120 USD/student)
• May 31, 2026 — Early Bird II ($175 USD/student)
• July 5, 2026 — Regular ($200 USD/student)

Launch Day and the workshops that day are mandatory. Mentorship sessions with your case coach are scheduled directly with the coach — not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Most students spend 6–8 hours per week solving the case and producing the deliverables.

Every participant gets a participation certificate. The winning team gets an internship with the startup to implement their solution, plus an internship certificate. Interns can also request a Letter of Recommendation from their supervisors.

No — only the winning team interns with the startup to implement their solution.